How to Make a Box Out of Cardboard

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Create your own cardboard box for presents, storage, & more
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Whether you are shipping Christmas presents or replacing an old Scrabble box, there's no need to spend money on pre-built boxes. You can assemble cardboard you have lying around into boxes the perfect size for your project. Corrugated cardboard is the best choice for storing heavy objects or sending something through the mail.

Easy Way to Make a Cardboard Box

  1. Divide the length of the piece of cardboard into 4 equal sections.
  2. Score and fold each section.
  3. Mark lines for the flaps on either side of the 4 sections.
  4. Cut the flaps, fold the box, and glue the sides together.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making a Cardboard Box

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  1. The side of a cereal box can make a small box for home use. Use corrugated cardboard for a sturdier project, or make a larger, decorative box from scrapbooking paper or cardstock. [1] If you have a specific size of box in mind, cut the cardboard to fit:
    • A piece of cardboard makes a square box with sides ¼ the original length. For example, a 12 inch long piece of cardboard will make a 3" x 3" box.
    • The width of the cardboard forms the height, base, and top of the box. For example, if you want to make a 3" x 3" box out of a 12" x 9" piece of cardboard, you'll use 3" of the width to form the base and top, and the remaining 6" will form the height of the box.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    It's easier to decorate the box before you start cutting and folding. One easy way to do this is to use a piece of wrapping paper about ½" (1.25 cm) larger than the cardboard on all sides. Glue this onto the cardboard with strong glue, then fold over the edges of the wrapping paper and glue them onto the other side. [2]
    • To keep paper from wrinkling or bubbling, make sure to use a minimal amount of glue and smooth your paper out after you apply it.
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  3. This forms a small "glue flap" that you will later fold over and glue down to help keep the four sides together. The glue flap can be as wide as 2 inches (5 cm) for a large shipping box, or about ¼" (6mm) for a small art project.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Use a ruler to measure the length of the cardboard, ignoring the glue flap. Mark it at each ¼ of the length, then use the ruler as a straightedge to draw parallel lines through these marks. This should divide the cardboard into four equal sections, that will form the four sides of the box.
    • If you want a rectangular box instead of a square one, use sections with two different measurements. For example, to make a 4" x 2" box, divide the cardboard into a 4" section, a 2" section, another 4" section, and another 2" section, in that order.
  5. Place the ruler along the lines you just drew and press along them to make them easier to fold. Use a utility knife for extra thick material such as corrugated cardboard, using light pressure only. Use a bone folder or empty ballpoint pen for medium-weight material such as posterboard. [3]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Fold the sides inward from both ends to form a stack, then unfold. This creases the paper for easier folding later.
    • Bend thick material so the cut score is on the outside of the box. You can bend medium-weight material either way. [4]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Divide the length of one box side (the distance between two lines) by two. Measure this distance from one edge of the cardboard and draw a line width-wise at this point, running across the lines you folded. Measure the same distance starting from the opposite edge and draw a second line.
    • For example, if you are making a 3" x 3" box, divide 3" by 2 to get 1.5". Arrange the paper so the creased lines run vertically. Draw one horizontal line 1.5" from the bottom edge, and a second horizontal line 1.5" from the top.
    • If your box is not square, you can use either side of the box for this calculation. Using the longer side will give the box a sturdier base and top. Using the shorter side will make a taller but weaker box.
  8. Cut along the vertical "side" lines until you hit the horizontal "flap" lines. This should leave you with four flaps along the top and four along the bottom.
    • Score and crease these as before if using thick cardboard.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Bend the four sides to form the frame of the box. Fold the narrow glue flap over the edge of the side and tape or glue it down. [5]
    • Make sure you are applying the glue onto the dry surface, with no moisture on it.
    • If you want to make glue dry faster, you can use a fan or a hair dryer.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Tuck the flaps on one side together, so each one overlaps the flap next to it. Reinforce this base with tape.
    • If you are storing lightweight objects, you can just close the flaps together without trying to tuck them into place. Reinforce this simple fold with tape on the inside as well as the outside, to prevent the flaps from poking up.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Tape the top as well if you are making a decorative box, or if you've put something inside for shipping. Otherwise, just leave them tucked together for easy opening.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Combining Two Cardboard Boxes

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  1. If you need to store or ship an extra-large item, you can combine two ordinary cardboard boxes. The two boxes will be stacked on top of each other, so make sure each one is at least half as tall as the item you plan to store. You can use store-bought boxes, or create two templates yourself using the instructions above.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Tape the base securely, but leave the top open.
  3. Stand each flap on the top of the box upright, to extend the height of the box sides. Tape the flaps so they stay up. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Tape the top flaps of the second box in a vertical position, as you did with the first one. Leave the base flaps open for now.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Slip the second box upside-down over the first, with the two sets of upright flaps overlapping. Tape or glue the two sets of flaps together..
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Cardboard Box
    Now you have one extra-tall box, with the open "base" of the second box serving as the top. Insert your object and packing materials through this hole, then tape the box closed when you are ready
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I decorate a cardboard box?
    Amy Guerrero
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement.
    Amy Guerrero
    Arts & Crafts Specialist
    Expert Answer
    An easy way to add decorations is to use stickers, patterned duct tape, or washi tape. You can also use patterned paper or printable designs, paint the box, or draw your own designs and letters with Sharpie paint pens.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 6
  • Question
    For a wine glass, how long would the cardboard be?
    Community Answer
    It depends since not all wine glasses are the same size. I would measure the height of the wine glass first and then add maybe 2 inches onto that length for the box height.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can you make this a cube?
    Idabelle
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, you just need change the dimensions and use squares instead of rectangles.
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      Video

      Things You'll Need

      • Cardboard
      • Scissors
      • Ruler
      • Utility knife, bone folder, or empty ballpoint pen
      • Wrapping paper (optional)
      • Tape
      • Glue

      Tips

      • If you are using the box to store something fragile, make your box an inch taller and wider to make room for packing material like bubble wrap or newspaper.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/make-your-own-gift-box-2.html
      2. ↑ http://www.auntannie.com/BoxesBags/ShirtBox/
      3. ↑ http://www.auntannie.com/BoxesBags/ShirtBox/
      4. ↑ http://www.auntannie.com/BoxesBags/ShirtBox/
      5. ↑ http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/make-your-own-gift-box-2.html
      6. ↑ http://www.containerstore.com/medialibrary/pdf/tips/Shipping_Mailing_Guide.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a cardboard box, start by dividing your piece of cardboard lengthwise into 4 pieces and marking them with a pen. Next, bend the cardboard into quarters so the scored side is on the outside and mark out flaps on each side of each quarter. To cut the flaps, cut along the vertical side lines until you reach the horizontal flap lines, which will create 4 flaps on each side. Finish by folding and taping the 4 sides together, then tape the flaps on one side together to form the bottom and tuck the top flaps inside the box. For tips on decorating your box or combining 2 cardboard boxes, read on!

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      • John Rieley

        Feb 28, 2021

        "Making box to fit into USPS Priority padded envelope. Nice article but needs a little work. For example, glue flap ..." more
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